1972 duster 340 fires up then dies and will not stay running

Just bypass the damn thing with a jumper and alligator clips. see how it runs. Eliminate the ballast from the problem list.....
It wouldn't run if it was the ballast, that's the power to the coil.
It just doesn't start at all.
But hey maybe a short, just turn the key in the run position and test for power at coil.
No power, jump it with a wire...and if it works, then change the ballast, otherwise check your ignition switch or wiring to it.